Tributes roll in for Luo Union and Kenya great Agonda Lukio
Lukio Agonda.
What you need to know:
- He hailed from Karachuonyo in Homabay County and was in the great Luo Union team that produced stars for the national team in the 1970s.
- Other Luo Union players who turned up for Kenya during Lukio’s hey days were goalkeeper James Siang’a (late), William “Chege” Ouma (late), Daniel Nichodemus Arudh (late), Odhiambo Gor, Stephen Yongo, Edward Kizza (late) and Peter Omaya. Omaya his workmate at the Ministry of Education.
Former international central defender, Albert Oketch has described the late Agonda Lukio as an instrumental player in Luo Union’s squad that once ruled East and Central African regional football in the 1970s before moving to Kenya Breweries (now Tusker).
“Lukio was very talented, discipline, hardworking and a leader of excellence who made it easy for his teammates to shine.
He had tricks and exceptional touches and will always remain among the country’s best creative midfielders. He talked to his teammates whenever there was a problem,” said Oketch also a former Harambee Stars team manager.
Alex Odino, who played alongside Lukio in the midfield at Luo Union, said the midfielder was among the best players Kenya ever produced.
“He had all the required skills for a top footballer. He provided assists and even scored goals from free kicks and odd banger from distance. He was a powerful dribble who often collected the ball on the turn and driving through the opposition midfield.”
Lukio, who passed on last Sunday in Kisumu after a short illness, played as a central or attacking midfielder for both Luo Union and Harambee Stars. He was 72.
He retired from active football in the 1980s and ventured into coaching upcoming youths around Arina Estate behind Jaramogi Oginda Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu town.
Lukio was an accountant by profession. He was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu feeling unwell and admitted to the ICU.
The skilled midfielder was among the few well educated players in Kenya during his heydays. He sat for his A levels at the famed Alliance Boys High School before pursuing tertiary education in India.
He hailed from Karachuonyo in Homabay County and was in the great Luo Union team that produced stars for the national team in the 1970s.
Other Luo Union players who turned up for Kenya during Lukio’s hey days were goalkeeper James Siang’a (late), William “Chege” Ouma (late), Daniel Nichodemus Arudh (late), Odhiambo Gor, Stephen Yongo, Edward Kizza (late) and Peter Omaya. Omaya his workmate at the Ministry of Education.